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Westwood Zoning Board approves several homeowner variances, conditions stormwater and screening
Summary
At its June 1 meeting, the Westwood Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances for a detached garage, a vestibule addition and an above-ground pool with conditions including stormwater calculations, rain barrels and screening plantings; two complex applications were carried to July 6 for further documentation.
The Borough of Westwood Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 1 approved multiple property variances for homeowners and imposed conditions aimed at stormwater control and neighbor screening.
The board granted a front-yard/front-half exception and other relief to Michael and Suzanne Horton of 52 8th Avenue to allow a detached garage, subject to submitting stormwater calculations and adhering to the approved plans. Architect Joseph Bruno presented photos and argued the proposal would reduce impervious coverage; Board Engineer Mateo Luzuriaga requested calculations and driveway-width dimensions before final construction sign-off.
The board also approved relief for Michael Minutella at 110 Wheeler Avenue to enlarge an entry vestibule, allowing a side-yard setback of 3.4 feet where 9 feet is required and approving a lot coverage of 45.2 percent where 40 percent is permitted. The board conditioned approval on adherence to the submitted plans and installing rain barrels in the rear yard to mitigate runoff.
For Marshall Okeefe at 56 Kaufman, the board approved a variance after an above-ground pool had been sited 12 feet from the side property line (15 feet required) and 6 feet from a deck (10 feet required). The board required screening plantings as mitigation, describing a planting regime (roughly 5 feet on center, 4-foot initial height) to provide visual screening along the property line.
All three homeowner matters passed on motions by Vice Chairman Eric Oakes, seconded by Gary Conkling; eligible regular members voted yes. Alternate members were not eligible to vote on these applications.
The board's actions focused on minimizing negative impacts: the Horton approval requires stormwater documentation; Minutella's approval includes a rain-barrel condition to ensure no increase in impervious-runoff; Okeefe's approval requires plant screening to mitigate impacts to adjacent yards. The meeting recessed for 15 minutes and reconvened before carrying other business to the July 6 agenda.
The board adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
